Non-Body Focused Compliments
When it comes to complimenting folks, those who have been socialized as women have been encouraged to objectify themselves in the same way that those who have been socialized as men do. What I mean by this, is that from a young age women are complimented on how they look and what value that brings into the world as opposed to their contributions. And because we have been pitted against women our whole lives, we know that when a woman compliments us on a body part, there is some semblance of acceptance. While these things seem harmless, they actually contribute to the misogyny women experience: being brought down to nothing more than their parts which are destined to change at some point during their lives. So, as such, I encourage myself and the folks who learn from me to adopt a different way to compliment people. Shower people with non-body focused compliments. Let them know the difference they make in your world. Celebrate their passion for animal facts. Encourage them in their unique style. Focus on complimenting people on things they choose/can change. Here are a few of my favorite compliments that I’ve given, heard, and received:
